Gran Canaria Catamaran Cruise from Puerto Rico

Gran Canaria Catamaran Cruise from Puerto Rico: A Practical Guide

Exploring the coast of Gran Canaria by catamaran is a popular way to enjoy the island’s scenic beauty and marine life. This 4-hour cruise offers a relaxed way to soak up the sun, spot dolphins and turtles, and enjoy fun activities like snorkeling and a banana boat ride. Offered by Tour2b, this experience is designed for those looking for a leisurely day at sea with some onboard treats.

One thing we genuinely like about this cruise is the inclusive nature of the experience—lunch, drinks, snorkeling gear, and even a banana boat are all included, making it fairly straightforward and no-fuss. However, a caveat is that the overall rating of 3 out of 5 suggests mixed reviews, especially around safety and the quality of the food. So, this tour seems best suited for travelers seeking a laid-back atmosphere rather than a luxurious or gourmet experience.

If you’re someone who enjoys socializing on the water, appreciates opportunities to see marine life, and doesn’t mind a modest level of unpredictability, this cruise could be a good fit. It’s particularly appealing for families, couples, or solo travelers who want to enjoy a scenic sea journey without breaking the bank.

Key Points

• Relaxed Half-Day Adventure: Perfect for those with limited time but wanting a taste of the sea.
• All-Inclusive Options: Lunch, drinks, snorkeling gear, and banana boat rides included.
• Wildlife Watching: Possibility to see dolphins, turtles, or flying fish from the deck.
• Group Size & Capacity: Max of 50 travelers, but some reviews mention overcrowding or capacity issues.
• Mixed Review Ratings: Experiences vary, with some praising the staff and others criticizing safety and food.
• Convenient Pickup & Drop-Off: Transfer included from several popular resorts around Gran Canaria.

An Honest Breakdown of the Catamaran Cruise

What the Experience Offers

This cruise departs from Puerto Rico, sailing along the southwestern coast of Gran Canaria. The vessel itself is equipped to host up to 50 guests, with ample space for sunbathing and relaxing. The boat is fitted with a sun terrace—ideal for soaking up rays—and a bar for drinks to keep everyone refreshed.

The main highlight? The chance to spot marine life—including dolphins, turtles, and possibly flying fish—while cruising the clear waters. According to reviews, this is a real draw for many travelers, who appreciate the opportunity for some wildlife viewing from the deck, making the journey feel more authentic.

The Itinerary and Stops

The tour is a straightforward 4-hour cruise along the coast from Puerto Rico. There’s an emphasis on relaxing and enjoying the sea views, with no lengthy stops at multiple locations. Instead, the focus is on swimming, snorkeling, and water activities at a designated stop.

During this stop, you can choose to swim and snorkel in the calm waters, which many find enjoyable, especially with free snorkeling equipment provided. Some travelers also enjoy the banana boat ride, which adds a fun and energetic element to the trip.

However, reviews suggest that the actual experience can vary—one reviewer mentioned that the safety during disembarkation after the banana boat ride was not ideal, which could be a concern for families or less confident swimmers. It’s worth noting that you must be able to swim unaccompanied to take part in this trip, so it’s not suited for non-swimmers or very young children.

Food and Drinks

A notable feature of this cruise is the inclusion of lunch and drinks, which makes the experience more enjoyable and fuss-free. The menu is described as basic, with some reviews calling the food “under medium” quality, and not particularly appetizing. One reviewer mentioned the food was “primitive,” which may mean simple sandwiches or snacks rather than a gourmet meal.

That said, the drinks from the bar are appreciated, especially in the sunshine, and having a meal included provides good value for the $72.59 price point. The free-flowing drinks and light lunch make this a more relaxed, social experience, though don’t expect haute cuisine.

The Crew and Service

The specific names of guides or crew members aren’t listed, but reviews indicate a generally friendly staff. One reviewer praised the “very friendly personnel” and described the day as relaxing with “cool animation.” On the flip side, safety concerns were raised, with one person noting that safety during disembarking was not ideal—something to keep in mind, especially for families or less agile travelers.

Pricing and Value

At roughly $72.60 per person, the cost covers most activities—snorkeling, banana boat, and lunch—as well as insurance and transfers. Considering all that’s included, it’s a reasonable deal, especially if you’re in search of a laid-back day on the water with the potential for wildlife sightings and water activities.

However, some reviews hint that the experience may not meet everyone’s expectations. One reviewer called it an “estafa total” (total scam), criticizing overcrowding and extra charges for items like glasses, despite all activities supposedly being included. So, it’s essential to read the fine print and keep expectations realistic.

Practical Tips

• Bring your own sun protection—sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses are crucial.
• Comfortable clothing and swimwear are recommended, along with a towel and waterproof camera.
• Given the mixed reviews on safety, especially during disembarking, be cautious if you have mobility issues or are traveling with young children.
• The meeting point at C. Puerto Base is near public transportation, making it accessible without a car.
• Since the tour is booked an average of 8 days in advance, early booking is advisable if you’re keen.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This cruise suits travelers who want a relaxed, social day at sea without high expectations for luxury or gourmet food. It’s ideal for those interested in marine wildlife and water activities like snorkeling and banana boating. Families, couples, or solo travelers looking to enjoy some sunshine and scenic views will find it appealing.

However, if safety is a top priority or you prefer high-end dining, you might want to consider other options. The experience also seems more suitable for those with a flexible attitude towards the quality of food and safety standards, as some reviews warn about safety concerns and mediocre cuisine.

Final Thoughts

The Gran Canaria Catamaran Cruise from Puerto Rico offers a straightforward, budget-friendly way to enjoy the island’s southern coast from the water. The inclusion of activities like snorkeling and banana boat rides, along with the opportunity to spot sea life, makes it a fun outing. Still, the mixed reviews highlight the importance of managing expectations—safety and food quality may vary.

If you’re after a casual, social experience on the sea, and don’t mind a less polished crew or food, you’ll probably enjoy what this cruise has to offer. It provides good value for a half-day escape, especially with pickup included from various resorts.

For travelers seeking a laid-back adventure with chances to see dolphins and turtles, this cruise is worth considering. Just remember, it’s not a luxury experience, but rather a fun, simple way to enjoy Gran Canaria’s stunning coast.

FAQs

Is transportation included?
Yes, the tour offers pickup transfer from several resorts, including Bahía Feliz, San Agustín, Maspalomas, and others. Contact the provider to confirm your pickup point.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable clothes, swimwear, sunscreen, towel, and a camera. Snorkeling gear is provided, but if you prefer your own, you can bring it.

Can I participate if I can’t swim?
You must be able to swim unaccompanied to take part in this trip, as swimming and snorkeling are part of the experience.

What’s included in the price?
The price covers the catamaran cruise, lunch, drinks, snorkeling equipment, banana boat ride, insurance, and transfer.

Are there any optional activities not included?
Yes, activities like jet ski and parasailing are available as a combo add-on but are not included in the base price.

Is the experience suitable for children?
It depends on your child’s swimming ability and comfort with water activities. Some reviews highlight safety concerns, so children should be supervised closely.

In all, this cruise offers a pleasant, casual way to enjoy Gran Canaria’s waters, especially if you’re looking for a day of sun, sea, and dolphin-spotting without fuss. Just keep in mind the mixed reviews and plan accordingly for safety and comfort.